




































sé = SS 
A WEEKLY JOURNAL, 
DEVOTED TO FIELD AND Aquatic Sports, PRAcTIcAL NATURAL History, 
Fish CULTURE, THE PROTECTION OF GAME, PRESRVATION or ForESTS, 
AND THE INCULCATION INMEN AND WOMEN OF A HEALTHY INTER? ST 
IN OUzT-i 00R RECREATION AND STUDY: 
PUBLISHED BY 
Forest and Stream Publishing Company, 
103 FULTON STREET, NEW YORK 
eres 
‘ferms, Five Dollars a Year, Strictly in Advance. 
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A discount of twenty percent. for five copies and upwards. 
sending us two subscriptions and Ten Dollars wil 
Hallock’s ‘“‘ Fisuine Tourist,” postage free. 
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In regular advertising columns, nonpareil type, 12lines to the inch, 25 
cents per line. Advertisements on outside page, 40 cents per line. Reading 
notices, 50 cents per line. Advertisements in double column 25 per cent. 
extra. Where advertisements are inserted over 1 month, a discount of 
10 per cent. will be made; over three months, 20 per cent; over six 
months, 30 per cent. 
————— eee 
NEW YORK, THURSDAY, JAN. 29, 1874. 
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To Correspondents, 

All communications whatever, whether relating to business or literary 
Correspondence, must be addressed to Tar ForEsT AND STREAM PuB- 
LISHING CoMPANY. Personal letters only, to the Manager. 
All communications intended for publication must be accompanied with 
real name, as a guaranty of good faith. Names will not be published if 
objection be made. No anonymous contributions will be regarded. 
ts Articles relating to any topic within the scope of this paper are solicited. 
We cannot promise to return rejected manuscripts. 
Ladies are especially invited to use our columns, which will be pre- 
pared with areful reference to their perusal and instruction. 
Secretaries of Clubs and Associations are urged to favor us with brief 
notes of their movements and transactions, as it is the aim of this paper 
to become a medium of useful and reliable information between gentle- 
men sportsmen from one end of the country to the other ; and they will 
find our columns a desirable medium for advertising announcements. 
The Publishers of Forest anp STREAM aim to merit and secure the 
patronage and countenance of that portion of the community whose re- 
fined intelligence enables them to properly appreciate and enjoy all that 
1s beautiful in Nature. It will pander to no depraved tastes, nor pervert 
the legitimate sports of land and water to those base uses which always 
send to make them unpopular with the virtuous and good. No advertise- 
ment or business notice of an immoral character will be received on any 
terms; and nothing will be admitted to any department 0 the paper that 
may not be read with propriety in the home circle. 
We cannot be responsible for the dereliction of the mail service, if 
money remitted to us is lost. 
Advertisements should be sent in by Saturday of each week, if possible. 
CHARLES HALLOCK, 
Managing Editor. 


THE INTER-COLLEGIATE REGATTA— 
THE QUESTION OF SARATOGA. 
Bex" the careful report of the Rowing Convention, 
sent to us by our own correspondent, the public may 
gain information in regard to the important subject as to 
where the next great university race is to be held. 
We can fully appreciate the motives which actuated gen- 
tlemen who were earnest in their endeavors to have the 
contest take place at Saratoga, and those opposed to it. We 
do not in the least incline to think that the measures urged 
for or against Saratoga were inspired by any other feelings 
than those tending to the ultimate advantage of the Univer- 
sity Rowing Associations of the country; nor are we at all 
surprised that a notable crew (as may be seen by our later 
advices) had bolted the Convention, having determined not 
to row at Saratoga. 
No one speaks of Saratoga as a boating race-ground with- 
out being of the decided opinion that it is the most perfect 
piece of water forsuch purposes in the country, and that 
it is so situated geographically as to be of easy access for 
eastern and northern University Rowing Clubs. Where, 
then, is the hitch? 
The distaste certainly arises from the unfortunate fact 
that though Saratoga is thronged for months in the gayest 
season of the year with all the wealth and grace of the 
country, still there is an unfortunate prestige about Sara- 
toga which certain men, and certain good, honest, simple 
fathers and mothers, and the teachers and professors of 
these rowing men, feel. If this sentiment did not find in 
the Hartford Convention its fullest expression, it is talked 
about and commented upon in the homes and by the fire- 
sides of the students. It may be squeamishness, it may be 
a false sentiment, but we are forced to make the positive 
statement that Saratoga is objected to mainly from the fear 
that the college men may be led astray, or have thrown on 
them the imputation of having been conspicuous actors at 
a place where vice too often lifts its head, and rarely finds 
a voice which calls things by their proper names, 
Of the Saratoga Rowing Association, we cannot but speak 
in the highest terms. No one thinks otherwise than that 
the association will carry out in every way the arrangements 
proposed by them, and that they are keenly aware, as fully 
as We are, how prejudicial all the bad elements which out- 
crop there are to the rowing interests of the United States 
One thing we feel certain of, and that is that when the race 
does take place, the actions of all the men making up the 



crews, and of their associates, will be carefully watched, 
and that should the least thing occur, prejudicial to morals, 
all future courses at Saratoga will be forever tabooed, and 
other places, with less of a social taint, even having much 
less rowing advantages, will be selected, 
Where an University race is to be held, must be at all 
times a difficult problem to solve. Putting entirely aside 
the questions of locality or convenience as to racing or 
training, a contest between University crews—do what con- 
ventions may—must always take the decided character of a 
public exhibition. Such boating events will invariably be 
attended by tens of thousands of spectators, an audience 
made up of the most incongruous elements, which audience, 
we fancy, is no better or no worse, as to component parts, 
than that which would he collected in any other part of the 
world. 
es 
THE ANGLO-AMERICAN MATCH. 
Ee 
LETTER FROM MR. PRICE, THE OWNER OF BELLE. 
See 
E are pleased to lay before the readers of the ForEstT 
AND STREAM and all American sportsmen the very 
courteous letter sent to us by Mr. R. T. Lloyd Price, the 
owner of the famous dog Belle, the winner of the Rhiwlas 
pcinter and setter trials of 1873. 
We have tc congratulate ourselves that we have not been 
too premature in stating the rules governing such Field 
Trials, and that we have been cautious in regard to publish- 
ing any rules whatsoever without the certainty that such 
rules were exact. 
It must be evident to any one acquainted with the pecu- 
liarities of those entering into contests of any kind, how 
half the trouble arises, from the fact of matters not 
being thoroughly understood at the commencement. In 
event of any disputes, arising from misconception of the 
rules, after we have given them due publicity, we must 
therefore be held blameless. 
We have no reason, however, to suppose that such con- 
tingencies can arise, but representing as we do the interests 
of both the United States and England, and desirous to see 
these Field Trials amicably and pleasantly concluded, it 
particularly behooves us to be careful in any detail. 
The Field Trials, we find from Mr. Price’s letter, were 
inaugurated, and are carried out under the supervision of 
the members of the Kennel Club. This is an organization 
of gentlemen who are strictly ballotted for, and all men 
who enjoy the highest social position in England, among 
them we find the Marquis of Huntly, Marquis of Buchanan, 
the Earl of Onslow, Lord Lurgan, (the owner of the famous 
greyhound, the late Master McGrath), The Hon. R. ©. 
Hal, Major Platt, the Revd. J. @. Macdona, and many 
other leading representative Englishmen. The Kennel 
Club lays down the rules for not ovly the canine exhibi- 
tions at Sydenham, Birmingham, Nottingham and else- 
where, but determines how the Field Trials shall be con- 
tested. In fact the Kennel Club is a body of elite, who 
actuated by the love of the dog, devote their attention to 
developing his excellence in every way. 
It will be seen that Mr. Price believes in the possibility 
of getting some of the English Sportsmen to visit this 
country, and to make a trial of their English dogs here on 
our own stamping ground. We feel sure that we express 
the sentiment of every American gentleman when we state 
that any sportsman coming here to try our prairies and our 
game, would be received with the greatest courtesy, and all 
would vie in making him welcome. 
We must express ourselves more than pleased by the tone 
of Mr. Price’s communication, when he says that ‘The 
match is proposed by us entirely in a friendly spirit,” and 
can either he run for glory alone or for a good stake. 
RaIwuas, BALA., MERIONETHSHIRE, N, WALEs, 
January 8th, 1874. 
Eprror Forrest anp StREAM:— 
I enclose you the regulations of the two principal Field 
Trial Meetings that have been held this year, with the names 
of the winners of the various stakes attached, which may 
in part afford you the desired information. The Kennel 
Club consists of a number of gentlemen, leading men in 
sporting affairs, who are strictly ballotted for, and all men 
of the highest position. They con:titute in fact ‘The 
Jockey Club,” in shooting matters and dog shows, and all 
cases of disputes at ‘‘ Field Trials” are I believe referred 
tothem. They organize every June a very large dog show 
at the Crystal Palace, with that held at Birmingham, which 
are the most successful and best arranged shows in ex- 
istence. 
The Kennel Club organized also the very successful and 
well attended Field Trials, held last September, and they 
intend continuing them. They are compiling a book, con- 
taining the names, pedigrees and histories of all fine winning 
dogs, both in the field and on the show bench, somewhat 
similar in fact to the Shorthorn Herd Book. It is the in- 
tention of Mr. Macdona and myself, should the Anglo- 
American Match come off, to place the matter entirely in 
the hands of the Kennel Club, to select the dogs to compete 
for England, and to make all arrangements in order that 
there can be no question as to everything being arranged 
with ability and uprightness. Mr. Macdona and myself 
have won the principal prizes at Field Trials this year with 
our representatives, Ranger, (setter) and Belle, (pointer). 
We consider ourselves therefore fairly entitled to represent 
the mother country in this matter; but should the committee 
of the Kennel Club consider that better dogs can be found 
to run in England, we shall give way to their opiuion in- 


















stantly. The match is proposed by us entirely in a friendly 
spirit, and can be run for glory alone, or for a good stake, 
As to the proposition which I see in FoREST AND STREAM, 
that we should cross the Atlantic with our dogs, I can only 
say in behalf of Mr. Macdona and myself, that nothing 
would give us greater pleasure. Personally there is no- 
thing I can conceive more enjoyable than to visit your 
grand country, but family ties might prevent our absence 
for the lengthy period which would be necessary. 
I have little doubt, however, that some aspiring young 
bachelors might easily be found. I know of two gentlemen 
owning fine dogs, who might be willing:to show their ani- 
mals off on your prairies, than which I cannot conceive any 
grounds more suitable. I have no doubt but that the Ken- 
nel Club would welcome with open arms any American 
gentlemen interested in sporting matters, who might wish 
to join tkem. Truly yours, W. T. Luoyp Price. 
[Suggestions as to Field Trials to suit American-bred setters 
will be published next week. } 
ee ree 
REPORT OF THE STATE COMMISSION- 
ERS OF FISHERIES OF PENNSYLVA- 
NIA FOR 1873. 
oe es 
HE report of Messrs. H. J. Reeder, B. J. Hewit, and 
James Duffy, State Commisioners of Fisheries for 
Pennsylvania, is a most thorough and interesting docu- 
ment. Pennsylvania, though not enjoying the peculiar la- 
custrine formations which abound in New York, has many 
noble rivers. Of these the Delaware River is the most re- 
markable, and once abounded with fish. In our review of 
the report of the New Jersey Fishery Commissioners, we 
stated how the shad were diminishing in the Delaware 
River. As the Jersey fishermen spoil every chance of gain- 
ing a livelihood on the Delaware by the most reckless and 
indiscriminate fishing, it is not to be expected that those of 
the same craft on the Pennsylvania side are any wiser. 
Commencing almost with the very first lines of the report, 
we read ‘‘that a large number of streams running through 
our State [Pennsylvania] has become so depopulated of 
fishes by persistent, wanton slaughter as to render them 
almost valueless to our people as a source of food.” In re- 
gard to shad, which particular fishery occupies the bulk of 
the report, we find it stated that illegal, indiscriminate, and 
wasteful fishing has almost depopulated the great streams 
of the State emptying into the Atlantic, which at one time 
abounded with this valuable and esculent fish. Nothing 
can show this fact in a stronger light than that during the 
last season, of all the fishing associations on the Delaware 
only six found it a remunerative business. The commis- 
sioners attribute this deterioration in quality and quan- 
tity to three causes. Jirst. The practice of fishing with 
drift nets in the lower portions of the river. Second. That 
the close season, or the time during which fishing is for- 
bidden in the rivers, is not sufficiently long and suffi- 
ciently observed; and third, the destruction of the young 
shad when returni.g to the sea by fish baskets. The New 
Jersey commissioners fully described the character of these 
nets. Like walls, they are made to sweep almost across 
the entire channel of a river, and differ from nets which 
are set. These nets fioat up and down with the tide, catch- 
ing all the fish in the river, or chasing them away. As to 
the close tine, discussed in full by the commissioners, it is 
declared to be too short. After every invention that hu- 
man ingenuity can devise has been brought into play to 
catch the fish every day in the week save Sunday, the fish 
are then allowed breathing time from midnight of Satur- 
day until midnight of Sunday only. The. commissioners 
ask that the fish be given but afew more hours’ respite, 
and that the time be extended from sunset of a Saturday 
until miduight of Sunday, only somesix hours more. But 
of all the wretched methods of killing the small shad the 
fish baskets are the most to be decried. These instruments 
of extirpation are placed in mid-channel of the river, with 
wings of stone, extending on either side toward the shores. 
Of course it is utterly impossible for any fish to escape the 
basket. Even if some few fish do get through they are so 
much bruised as to perish miserably after their escape. 
Nothing is more delicate than the fish organism in its ten- 
der younger stage, and the abrasion of a single scale kills 
ayoung fish, most especially a shad. Cases have come 
under the notice of the commissioners where more than a 
cart load of young shad have been removed from these 
wretched fish baskets. Calculate, if you can, the heedless 
waste of money—of food here. Young fish, useless asa 
nutritious aliment to man, even too insignificant to be em- 
ployed as a manure, if they had been allowed to grow, and 
had then been caught at the proper season, would have fed 
over five thousand men, and would have represented no 
inconsiderable amount of money. The commissioners beg 
the Legislature to make laws for their immediate destruc- 
tion, To-day the law allows a ten days’ notice given by the 
sheriff before proceeding to destroy the basket; the com- 
missioners want the fish baskets to be done away with at 
once, on sight. 
How shall the Delaware and the other rivers of the State 
of Pennsylvania be restocked with fish? It seems as if the 
interests involved in the drift-nets were tuo numerous to be 
done away with by any summary enactment, but a more 
strict and somewhat increased period of close time, and 
the utter stopping of the erection of fish baskets on any 
stream in the State, may, it is hoped, somewhat improve 
the condition of things. But the chief reliance of the 
commissioners ls in artificial propagation. Citing the bril- 
liant examples of Connecticut, where the shad have se in- 







































































