348 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
Michigan the annual appropriation was cut down one-half, and in West Virginia the 
office of fish commissioner was abolished entirely. Under such conditions it seems 
not only the part of wisdom but of necessity to make some concessions. 
I believe the time will come when commercial fishermen generally will recognize 
the injury to their interests by the use of overdestructive devices, whether they be 
fish-baskets, pound nets, salmon wheels, or their allies, and that the fish commissions 
are working for and not against them; but such conditions do not exist now, and it is 
the present aspect which must be faced. 
I believe that certain devices prohibited by law in many States, such as set or out 
lines, fyke nets, dip nets, and even set nets, while they ought not to be used, would not, 
under certain restrictions, materially injure the work of fish-culture. I believe that 
fish-baskets are the most destructive device in existence for taking fish, with the 
possible exception of explosives. Under no circumstances should they be permitted 
in streams into which shad come to spawn, and nowhere else ought they to be allowed 
without being guarded by severe restrictions or without a license beiug first paid 
therefor. 
But, above all things, it is important that the commissions and the commercial 
fishermen come to a better understanding; that they work more in harmony for the 
advancement of fish-culture. It is also essential that the sporting element and the 
commercial fishermen cease their jealousies and suspicions of one another and, each 
recognizing that the other forms an important link in the State’s welfare, join hands 
in hearty support of State fish commissions and their work. 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 
