52 
FOREST AND STREAM 
$is1\ Culture. 
[From Proc«edtngs of American Fl*h Calturlsla’ Association.) 
AQUACULTURE AND FISH PROTEC- 
TION. 
BY SAMUEL WILMOT, NEWCASTLE, ONTARIO. 
I N submitting this paper, on some of the points in fish 
culture, to the American Fish Culturlsts’ Association, 
now assembled, I shall endeavor to be as brief as possible; 
yet there are so many interesting subjects connected with 
the science of aquaculture that it will be almost impossible 
to control the mutter without affecting its general interests. 
My object at this time, however, will be to touch upon the 
importance of the science as a whole, and to show why 
there should be judicious laws passed to preserve Ilshat 
certain seasons, and also endeavor to answer the question 
so frequently put by the skeptically inclined, Why resort 
to artificial breeding of fish; why not allow them to breed 
in their own natural way? 
When we consider the importance of this new branch of 
industry, both as a meuna of producing cheap uml whole- 
some food, as well as individual and general wealth among 
the people among whom it has been introduced, it is grati- 
fying to find that a knowledge of its principles is gradu- 
ally becoming more and mere generally diffused, so that 
we may safely look forward to the time when no country 
can be found wherein the science of pisciculture is totally 
neglected. 
independent of the pleasure and instruction which fish 
culture, on a small scale, has afforded to amateurs and 
others who have employed their lime and means in adding 
another luxury to their tables, much profit has been real- 
i7cd by utilizing springs and small streams of water on 
private properties. And in both the old and the new world 
we may see that various governments have chosen the 
most scientific nnd practical men of the day to find means 
whereby the vast areas of water, which cover three-fourths 
of the earth’s surface, may be made to produce inexhausti- 
ble supplies of food and riches; so that, through man’s 
intelligence and industry, aquaculture may become the 
successful rival of its sister art, agriculture. 
The introducing and acclimatizing of many of the bet- 
ter and scarcer kinds of fish has been achieved through the 
instrumentality of this new agent. It. is now an indispu- 
table fact that some of the kinds of fish that were trans- 
ported in the egg state from Scotland to Australia and New 
Zculnnd aro found to bo acclimatized to the waters of the 
Southern Hemisphere, where they were hitherto wholly 
unknown- 
In a similar rnnnner fish fry and eggs from the waters of 
the Atlantic coast have been successfully carried across the 
continent by the overland route, and planted in those of 
the I “Cific coast, and vice versa. Through the praiseworthy 
efforts of Prof. Baird and Livingston Stone, the salmon of 
the Pacific coast are being sown broadcast into the rivers 
nnd streams of the Eastern States of the Union. In Can- 
ada, also, there lias been introduced certain hitherto un- 
known fishes from Britain. These efforts, successful in 
th. ir application, are only the forerunners of what will vet 
be largely brought about through the study of practical 
fish culture. And no doubt when the science becomes 
more generally diffused, the importation nnd exportation of 
the more valuable kinds of fishes will form no inconsider- 
able truffle between countries whoso interests may require 
an improvement in tliet branch of commerce. ' 
France has always taken a very great interest in the arti- 
ficial propagation of fish as an easy means of producing 
cheap food for her people The immense grounds which 
were laid out, and the buildings which were erected at 
Uunmngue, are strong and convincing evidences of this 
fact And although by the fate of war the province in 
which the large trench pisciculturnl works were estab- 
lished was ceded to Prussia, she has since that period com- 
menced again the founding of another fish breeding estab- 
lishment in another portion of her territory. Prussia is 
also extending the works which came into her hands bv 
the act of cession. J 
In Great Brituin the cutcrpriso has been entered into 
with great zeal, and with marked success, huge fortunes 
having been amassed by individuals from the increased 
productions of old fishery grounds through artificial meth- 
ods ot propagation. In oilier countries of Europe and 
in Asia, fish culture is now successfully adopted also-’ and 
throughout almost the whole of the old world the science 
is making its beneficial effects felt by the masses of the 
people mi the greater supply of wholesome food 
Nothing however, has given a strouger impetus to fish 
culture at the present time than the hearty and zealous 
manner in which the local legislatures of many of the 
Slut os, as well as the Federaf Government of America 
have entered into the work of encouraging the growth and 
improvement of the piscine wealth within their territories 
Not only have large grants of money been made by indi- 
vidual States to assist their fishery commissioners* in re- 
Htoek.ug depleted waters, but the Federal Government at 
Washington makes very liberal grauts from the treasury to 
aid m what has been considered a great national work 
As a result of the united efforts of the State legislatures 
and General Government, a large salmon breeding cstablish- 
incut has been built in Maine, under the superintendence of 
Mr. Atkins, which has admirably answered the purnose 
fur which it was constructed, aud quite equal to the most 
sanguine expectations of ns projectors. In like manner has 
l lie great salmon “Bonanza’’ of the McLeod River been 
discovered by Mr. Stone, where immense works have beeu 
erected Horn each ot these establishments millions of 
eggs and fry are being distributed auuually throughout all 
pails of the Union. Over and above this public recogni- 
tion many millions of dollars are now employed iuthe 
work of fish culture lroui private sources by the people of 
bis Republic. y 
It may not he amiss to state that, within the same period 
of tune, in no country bus fish culture made greater pro- 
gress than in the Dominion of Canada. From its first in- 
ception at Newcastle in the Province of Ontario, it bus 
made rapid strides throughout America. Its operations 
here have ensured the artificial propagation of fhe more 
important commercial fishes of this country and at the 
present tune, through the wisdom of the Canadian Gov- 
ernment there are no ess than five salmon breeding estab- 
lishments founded within >U territory, all of which are in 
practical working condition, each with a capacity for con- 
taming many million* of ova. Other institution, of a 
similar nature are also iD contemplation of being built dur- 
ing next season by the Canadian authorities. 
Reference being made here to the Newcastle fish breed- 
ing works in Ontario, it will not be taken in tlie light of 
self-laudation for me, the sole originator of that institu- 
tion, to state that from it lias sprung all of the national and 
State fish breeding establishments on this continent. 
Fish culture having now become both a popular and suc- 
cessful industry in the United States and Canada, it is of 
importance that it should be vigorously carried on. The 
once many famous rivers in both of these countries have 
now become very much reduced in tlieic supplies of salmon 
and other fish. This falling off is also experienced in the 
countless lakes and their innumerable tributaries every- 
where throughout the land. Both demand early attention 
in order to prevent the final extermination of an article of 
food which it is now almost impossible to sustain in the 
natural way alone. A judicious application of the natural 
and artificial methods of propagation, together with thor- 
ough protection during the close seasons, would soon re- 
produce in those waters a large supply of fish, both for 
domestic purposes and foreign trade. The outlay required 
to achieve this object will be found to he trifling indeed 
in comparison to the ultimate benefits that would assuredly 
flow from its application. 
Having made a few remarks upon the question of fish 
culture in a general way, it will not be amiss to refer to 
the necessity of wise legislation for the protection and pres- 
ervation of fish at certain seasons of the year, more par- 
ticularly during the close or spawning season. 
The sea fisheries, from the unlimited field which they 
cover, and the extensive area in which the natural produc- 
tion of fishes is carried on, do not require such peculiar 
laws for their preservation, or for close seasons being set 
apart for spawning, as are necessary in the inland fisheries. 
There is a period when fish are in season, and when they 
should be taken by legitimate means. There is another 
period when they are out of season, and then should be 
protected by all legitimate means. They are in season after 
they have fully recovered from the prostrating aud ex- 
haustive effects of spawning, and when found upon their 
feeding grounds putting fat upon the body. At this time, 
though the eggs and milt are in the ovaries, they are so 
minute as to take little if any nourishment from the sys- 
tem, all of the food taken forming fat and muscle. They 
arc out of season when they have left their feeding grounds, 
and have reached their spawning beds, and are in the act 
of spawning. The eggs and the milt at this period having 
absorbed from the body of the fish most of the fat which 
lmd been previously put on, becomes enlarged to the full 
size, aud are mature and ripe for being deposited. 
In the egg will he noticed a fatty substance, resembling 
small globules of oil, which is provided by nature for the 
nourishment and growth of the embryo fish during incu- 
bation, and is the food contained in the sac attached to the 
young fry for several days after emerging from the shell. 
This drain of fat from the parent fish into the egg and 
milt, and the prostrating effects of spawning, causes it to 
become lean and lank in condition, and therefore foul, out 
of season, and actually unfit for food. The killing and 
eating of fish at this particular period should be strictly 
prohibited by law. It is not less repugnant to common 
sense than it would be to kill our domestic animals in an 
advanced state of pregnancy, or for some time afterwards. 
Why, then should people conjure up the belief that fish do 
not come under the same laws of nature as other animals? 
It is also of importance to remember that nearly all fish, 
during the spawning season, become very dull, and are in 
a semi-lethargic state, and, generally speaking, consume 
jittleorno food whilst performing this work of nature. 
Salmon eat nothing whatever ut this time, neither do they 
take food within their stomachs from the time of leaving 
salt water till after they have performed the work of 
spawning, even should the time of their migration extend 
over a period of six months, or longer. At the end of their 
long journey, and from eating nothing since leaving the 
sea, they become changed in color, their former rich red 
flesh now becomes a flabby white, their bodies are fre- 
quently covered with wounds and sores, parasites begin to 
prey upon them, a fungoid growth sets in, and great num- 
bers die. 
Mankind, from his overweening selfishness, is not satis- 
fied with killing these fish in the earlier seasons, when they 
are fut and wholesome, and well adapted for food and 
commerce; but would (were it not lor an interposition of 
some kind) relentlessly pursue and kill them up to the close 
of the year, whilst ia the very act of spawning, and in the 
foul condition just related. It is also to be noted that at 
_ food, kill 
indiscriminately, with every sort of device, every fish that 
may be found. This barbarous practice, having hitherto 
so generally prevailed, has in numerous instances totally 
exterminated many of the belter kinds of fish from most 
of the waters of the older settled purls of Canada aud the 
United States. 
Many persons are very skeptical as to the actual necessity 
tor close seasons, or any other protection for fish, aud con- 
sider legislation on the subject altogether supertlous. They 
know nothing of their habits and nature, beyond the fact 
that they form delicious food, and caunot therefore see 
why they should not be taken and eaten at all times aud in 
all seasons. In order that seasonable and wholesome fish 
may be had in our markets and at our tables at all times 
and at all seasons, nature has made this wise provision 
namely: 1 hat the spawning season is not at the same time 
ot year with all fish; some kinds of fish collect in shallow 
waters aud iu rivers to deposit their ova iu the Spring 
mouths and others in the Fall. By this means a succcs 
siou of fish can ho taken in season throughout the whole 
year, it cnly becomes necessary, then, that wise and dis- 
criminating regulations should be made to assist the laws 
ot nature, to give to the people of this country not only 
for the present time, but also for the future, a bountiful 
supply of wholesome fish food, 
* iom the few facts just mentioned respecting the nature 
of salmon and other fish, and the tendency iu man to de- 
stroy them, it is easy for any persou possessing ordinary 
intelligence, and not selfishly prejudiced to the contrary^ 
to in.er how necessary and important it is that all fish 
f «M Pr . 0t n Cted P ro P er legislation at proper seasons, 
and also that all persons should be. legally prohibited from 
killing or selling that which is foul and unlit for food. 
1*0 be conduced next tcuk.) 
PROPOSED LAWS REGULATING FISH 
ING AND FISH CULTURE INSWITZER 
LAND. 
Zurich, Switzerland, January 28, UJ75 
Editor Forest and Stream:— 
Enclosed you will find a manuscript copy of my plan for a law regain- 
ting the culture aud catching of fleh in the Swiss Confederation, \ 
great number of the propositions were fixed by the Baron of Washington 
in Austria, and will be need when the federal laws relating to this q neB . 
tton shall come under discussion. I make it a condition, therefore, that 
the German copy I send you shall not be used, except for an English 
translation in your paper, Forest and Stream, with the view to promote 
the, until now, little Interest shown by the public in this very important 
question of national economy. Most truly yours, 
Edward Guykr, Fishery Commissioner 
In drawing such a plan, the first question to be consid- 
ered is as to whether or not the Swiss constitution, as well 
as probable treaties of the Confederation with the adjoin- 
ing States, having jurisdiction over the waters, accord the 
requisite authority to persons to develop fish culture; and 
whether or not the means of enacting such a law are at 
hand. With the probable adoption, however, of the new 
constitution, this question, the regulation of which is by the 
new constitution vested in the General Government, finds 
a most natural and simple answer. That which conse- 
quently remains to be considered in the preparation of 
sucli a law is the ordinances touching the fishing privileges, 
the means of protecting the culture and the catching of 
fish, and the control of the fish market. 
THE FISHING PRIVILEGES CONSIDERED. 
I. (a) Fishing rights may be practiced by those entitled 
to fish, being either the owners of the waters or proprietors 
of fishing facilities, and their representatives; these, how- 
ever, only to the extent to which they may be practiced 
exclusively in navigable waters in a continuous distunce of 
twenty kilometres. According to a formula, which ought 
to be published, the authorities should be empowered to 
prepare a specification of all fishing grounds within their 
territory, and the existing privileges, and to permit all per- 
sons to inspect the same; they are to be held iu evidence 
continually, arid to them should be added copies of all 
documents concerning the laws. Protests may be tuken to 
the next superior tribunal. The insertion in said specification 
is to be made without reference to the consideration of any 
legal contest. The proper authority, within whose jurisdic- 
tion the waters may be, or the greatest portion of the ex- 
panse, measured at its ordinary height, is to be a compe- 
tent one. These fishing grounds are to be used according 
to a so-called lease of the same for at least twelve years’ 
(four harvests) duration. The unrestricted catching of fish 
and crabs is to be prevented. All fishing privileges are, in 
this sense, to be regulated by the proper authorities, and 
the rents are to be distributed proportionally. 
( b ) The legal authorities ure also to effect such agree- 
ments among those entitled to fishing privileges as would 
insure to the culture of fish a future benefit. All requisite 
measures are to be adopted by a majority of those entitled 
to such privileges, and to be sanctioned by the proper au- 
thorities. A majority is understood to mean a majority of 
such as are privileged at the measurement of the ordinary 
height of the water’s surface, and not a majority of those 
entitled to privileges. 
(c) Every person, when fishing, must be provided with 
the evidence of privilege, or permit, issued by the authori- 
ties within whose jurisdiction the waters may he, giving 
the name of the holder, with his signature, the description 
of the waters, and the signature of the oflicer issuing the 
permit. Such evidence is to be valid only for the calendar 
year. 
(d) The number of permits, to be issued in a certain ter- 
ritory in which the waters may be, are to be fixed by the 
proper authorities. 
(e) Records are to be kept by the authorities of the issu- 
ing aud acknowledgment of these permits, the continuing 
numbers, and the name of the persons and description of 
the waters. All persons are to be allowed to inspect such 
records. 
HOW THE CATCHING OF FISn THERE IS TO BE? FORBIDDEN. 
II. (a) Every permanent arrangement (apparatus for 
catching fish— eel pots, fish pots, and bow nets), and the 
use of stationary nets, which do not allow at least one half 
of the width of the water's surface, measured at the lowest 
water marks, in right angles, and taking into consideration 
the places flowing from lakes and tributary streams, so as 
to leave the fish a passage in the centre of the waters free 
and unobstructed from surface to bottom; also, any ob- 
struction of the highway of navigation for shipping, boat- 
ing, and lumber rafts, or anything else that may be detri- 
mental or dangerous to the water and shore guard struc- 
tures. 
( b ) The use at one time of several of such arrangements 
or nets which are not at least 150 feet apart. 
a-) The construction of bow nets, fish pots, and other 
traps in dams and sluices. 
(d) The use of traps of any- kind and description, the 
opening of winch, when wet, have not a diameter of at 
least three and a half centimetres. 
(<•) For the catching of ground and bait fish smaller nets 
may be used; but they must not have a diameter greater 
than 120 centimetres. 
(/) The use of fish traps or fish boxes, the lathes, boards, 
and poles of which at the opening through which the 
water runs are not at least three and a half centimetres apart. 
(g) lhe use of nets which are drugged along the bottom 
of the waters. 
(ft) The herding together of fish in traps by disturbing 
the water, or ut night time by the use of lights 
(0 By poisoning or stupefying the fish. 
(«) By wounding the fish, as in traps with springs, by 
forks, poles, guns or torpedoes. a 
(0 Ice fishing without special 
ties. 
The fishes below must not be caught should they not 
measure at least twenty centimetres from the point of the 
head to the outer extremity of the caudal — 
Brook trout, l'rutta farro. 
Grayling, 1 hynudlus vulgaris. 
20 Salmon, Salmo salcclinus. 
Tench, Tuna vulgaris. 
, Crucian, Carrassius vulgaris. 
River perch, Perea Jluviatilis. 
Carp, Cgpiinus carpis. 
eg Barbel, Barbus Jluriatilis. 
Rencke, felcben, or white fish, Caregonus Wurtmannt, 
Bodeurenke, Coregonusfcra. 
Bream, Abranis brama. 
permission of the authoii- 
