312 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
mental purposes and distribute them to suitable localities, if provision be made for 
their protection. 
There is also a species of mussel that is indigenous to the salt marshes in the 
vicinity of New Smyrna Inlet. This mussel is not edible, but at times has been 
utilized for bait. The taste is of an astringent coppery nature and unfitted for con- 
sumption for the above reason. The edible mussel also might become a valuable 
acquisition to this section if it could be satisfactorily propagated. 
PROTECTION OF FISHERY INTERESTS. 
The disadvantages that the State of Florida now labors under, by the reduced 
temperature experienced annually and the destruction of her valuable timber interests, 
without provision for renewal by the Government, necessitate the utilization of all 
available methods to develop her resources for the support of her inhabitants, and no 
better work can be done in this direction than to protect, to the fullest extent, the food- 
fishes and the oyster and turtle industries, including both the green and loggerhead 
varieties. The malicious slaughter of the female loggerhead should be punished to 
the fullest extent of the law, as well as the wanton destruction of fish by drag seines 
and gill nets. Since the law protecting the fish by preventing seining has gone into 
effect, the catch of sheepshead by hook and line has been greater than ever before, 
which makes the fishing-grounds about New Smyrna especially desirable for those 
who desire legitimate sport or those who rely on fishing for a livelihood. Heretofore 
the sheepshead were taken by hundreds in a drag net at night, which entirely 
eradicated in a short time the leading game fish in this vicinity. The same was largely 
true of the bass and trout. In these cases one or two persons monopolized the fishing 
business with drag or gill nets, and not infrequently the entire catch was wasted by 
no market or from lack of ice to ship. Nowhere in this section of the State is the 
fishing as good by line and rod as at this place at this time. Therefore, the protective 
clause in the fish laws of the east coast of Yolusia County, Fla., has been productive 
of great good and should be continued, notwithstanding the efforts made to repeal it. 
Of other prospective industries which might prove profitable, the propagation of 
the diamond-back terrapin, which abounds to a certain extent in the southern coast 
country, is suggested. The dissemination of knowledge by which the blue crab 
could be kept alive, iu both the soft and hard shell condition, to enable it to stand 
transportation to a distant market, as well as practical information relative to the 
propagation of the stone crab (the lobster of southern waters), are subjects which 
deserve consideration. In the interior of the State are many ponds and lakes in 
which desirable fresh-water fishes could be successfully introduced, thus enhancing 
the value of those bodies of water and furnishing food and sport for many who are 
uuable to visit the coast country for their supply of fish. A due consideration of 
these important subjects, resulting in effective effort, would greatly increase our food 
products and better the condition of the interior and coast country embraced in the 
waters of the Halifax and North Indian rivers of Volusia County, Florida. 
New Smyrna, Florida. 
