6 
At Danville, near the forks of the Vermilion River, has been built 
a dam, forming a beautiful lake in Ellsworth Park. ° Over this dam 
Mr. John Beard, who has a lease of the park, has placed a fishway 
in order that the fish may have a free course up the various streams 
during the proper season. Taken altogether, it is one of the best 
lakes in the State, and is an ornament to any city, and will in 
time afford enjoyment to the lovers of rod and line. This has also 
been partially stocked with fish, and additions will be made from 
time to time, until it is fully so. In company with Hon. E. R. EH. 
Kimbrough and Hon. W. J. Calhoun, of Danville, who have been 
very active in their efforts to further the interests of the Commission, 
an examination of this lake and its tributaries was made by one of 
the Commissioners, and the water and surroundings found to be 
Harta! adapted to the reception and propagation of the native 
sh. 
At Springfield, the Springfield Fishing Club, an organized stock 
company for the protection of fish, etc., have obtained control of 
Clear Lake, a beautiful body of water situated about 6 miles east of 
the city. The company comprises over one hundred of the best citi- 
zens of Springfield. With their accustomed energy, they have im- 
proved the surroundings by cleaning up the grove adjoining, built 
a handsome boat-house, placed a steam yacht and a large number 
of row-boats upon the lake. The Commission has stocked the 
lake, and the company will see that the fish are fully protected. 
At Decatur, the Decatur Fishing Club, an organization consisting 
of one hundred citizens, have built a fine lake, covering an area of 
about 5 acres, located about 23 miles west of Decatur. The com- 
pany have interested themselves in having this lake, as well as the 
Sangamon River, stocked with fish. 
At Morrisonville, the Hon. J. L. D. Morrison has built a pond 
covering about 10 acres, now producing some very fine fish, crop- 
pies having been taken from it weighing nearly 2 pounds. 
At Lanesville, Mr. F. K. Whittemore, of Springfield, has con- 
structed a large pond on his farm, now stocked with native fish. 
At Pekin, Hon. Thos. Cooper has built quite a large lake in a 
park adjoining the city, supplied by an artesian well. ‘This, al- 
though the water has very abundant mineral properties, sulphur 
predominating, has proven to be very well adapted to fish, both 
native and carp. 
About one mile east of Pekin is Bailey’s Lake. This lake de- 
serves especial mention, as there are but few, if any, others in the 
State so peculiarly located. It has neither inlet nor outlet, is fed 
by springs, covers an area of about 200 acres, almost surrounded 
by hills, subject to neither overflow nor backwater. ‘This lake con- 
tains perch and sunfish in abundance, but neither bass nor pick- 
erel. There is now a movement on foot to purchase the lake and 
land surrounding it by a stock company, when it will be improved, 
stocked with fine fish, and made a resort. 
So all over the State clubs are organizing, companies forming, 
lakes being purchased, leased or built, and efforts made to better 
protect the fish interests. 
