Wisconsin State Agricultural Society. 417 
enough of good fish that we know will thrive and abundantly re¬ 
pay a hundred fold the expense of a state hatching-house, which 
would be conducted to the best interest of the state. The salmon- 
trout, carps, white and black bass, white-fish, and grayling could 
be turned into the lakes in great numbers. 
If members of the legislature were to visit the establishment of 
A. Palmer, of Boscobel, and H. F. Dousman, of North Prairie, the3 r 
would be delighted to witness the successful artificial propagation 
of fish. Mr. Dousman has now nearly 250,000 young trout that 
will be ready for market when they are two years old. Mr. Palmer 
and Mr. Dousman hatch about 80 per cent, of all eggs put into their 
hatching-troughs—a success never surpassed. 
On account of a considerable mortality among a part of his fish, 
Mr. Dousman lately applied to a member of the state fish commis¬ 
sion, Mr. Hoy, who visited his fish-ponds. Science was sufficient 
for the occasion, and the cause and remedy found. 
If a private party raising fish for market can make money by 
paying liberally for such advice, how much more should the state 
secure the time and services of its fish commissioners, to superin¬ 
tend the fish interests of the state. 
We submit this hasty and ill-digested report for consideration. 
We ask that it be referred to the proper committee, and we hold 
ourselves in readiness to give all the information and aid in our 
power'in furtherance of the objects embraced therein. 
Respectfully submitted. 
WILLIAM WELCH, 
A. PALMER, 
P. R. HOY, 
Fish Commissioners. 
Madison, December , 1874. 
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