7 
CONCERNING DISTRIBUTION. 
In order that we might make our distribution as general as pos- 
sible, and to obtain such information as would enable us to accom- 
plish this, we sent a circular letter to each member of the 33d 
General Assembly, a copy of which letter we append herewith: 
QUINCY, ILu., July 20th, 1884. 
DeAR Sir: We are now taking young native fish for distribution, and desire to make 
the distribution as general as means at our disposal will permit. We are endeavoring to 
induce all of the railroad managements to carry our tanks in baggage cars free, so as 
to materially reduce the expense ineidental. A number have consented to do so, and we 
hope the larger proportion will. 
_ Most of the streams were partly stocked last season, but our territory is large, and 
time will not permit the Commissioners to make a personal inspection of the streams. 
As a consequence the distribution is not as complete as it should be when the disposi- 
tion of fish has to be left to a great extent to the messengers in charge of fish. 
We have presumed to ask your assistance in giving us information regarding the 
waters of your county, what and where they are, whether the streams are obstructed by 
dams or not; if so, how many and where located; whether the water gets high enough 
during the season to cover dams, and allow fish to run up toward head waters. 
We desire to give proper attention to every part of the State, and when no dams ob- 
struct the streams, planting fish in any part will in time people the whoie of it if protected, 
but when dams are used, various points of such streams will have to be planted. 
Our carp distribution will take place in October or November. or at such time as the 
United States Fish Commission send us the fish, and we would be pleased to have you 
recommend any of your constituents who may desire to undertake their culture. So far, 
carp culture in this State has been attended with the most favorable results, many per- 
sons reporting ponds full of young carp, and the old fish weighing from 5 to10 pounds. If 
convenient, favor us with such information as you may have, as early as possible, and it 
will greatly aid us. Yours truly, 
A large number of those addressed sent us descriptions of streams, 
etc., in their counties, suitable for stocking with fish, and designated 
points of delivery, and parties to whom we could consign them. We 
have by this means been enabled to make our distribution more ef- 
fectual than would have been the case had we been compelled to 
rely entirely upon the information and judgment of our messengers. 
Our transportation facilities, thanks to the railroads, have been 
very good. Upon request of the Commissioners, the following named 
railroad companies have given us an order to carry our tanks in 
the baggage car. The following is a copy of the order, which is the 
the same as used by the United States Fish Commission, and to 
whom we are indebted for the form: 
““Ohicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. 
NOTICE. 
_ Upon presentation of this notice, duly countersigned by N. K. Fairbank, President 
Illinois State Fish Commission, conductors and baggage masters wll transport free, until 
January 1, 1885, cans of young fish in baggage cars of passenger trains, and return empty 
cans, checking them to destination of messengers holding first-class tickets and accom- 
Panying cans. 
Baggage masters will also render every assistance desired by messengers in charge of 
} Beh. at allow them access to the baggage cars for the purpose of giving the fish proper 
attention. 
Conductors may stop trains at any stream to leave messengers and cans, where it can 
be done without in any way endangering their train or connections. 
[Signed] HENRY B. STONE, 
; General Superintendent. 
Countersigned| 
N. K. FAIRBANK, 
President State Fish Commission. 
